Snowboard boot with articulating binding interface

ABSTRACT

A snowboard boot includes an upper and a binding interface that is adapted to engage with a snowboard binding. The interface is supported from the boot upper so that even when the interface is rigidly engaged by the binding, the boot upper can advantageously roll or flex side-to-side relative to the interface, and consequently the snowboard, to provide a rider with a desirable feel of foot roll. The boot may be configured so that a segment of the boot upper rearward of its toe portion can flex in the side-to-side direction relative to the binding interface, while the forward toe portion of the boot upper remains fixed against side-to-side flexibility. A flexible connection may be employed to couple the binding interface to the snowboard boot upper to allow the segment of the lower portion thereof to flex relative to the binding interface. The flexible connection may extend along a substantial length of at least one of the heel portion, the in-step portion and the toe portion of the upper. The flexible connection may be constructed within at least one of the lateral and medial sidewalls of the snowboard boot upper. The flexible connection may include a flexible panel to mount the interface to the boot upper. The panel may include a fabric or other flexible material, including stretchable and non-stretchable materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a snowboard boot having a binding interface that facilitates side-to-side movement of the snowboard boot relative to a snowboard.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Snowboard riders typically prefer some degree of side-to-side flexibility between their snowboard boots and snowboard. Side-to-side flexibility (also known as foot roll) enhances the rider's ability to more easily shift his or her weight and body position over the board for balance and control. Side-to-side flexibility may also improve the overall ride by allowing bumps to be more readily absorbed than if the boot was rigidly attached to the board without any side-to-side flexibility. Thus, the ability of the boot to roll side-to-side relative to the board provides a performance and feel that many riders find desirable.

[0005] Snowboard boots are of three general types, i.e., hard boots, soft boots and hybrid boots which combine various attributes of both hard and soft boots. A hard boot is similar to an alpine ski boot and typically employs a relatively hard molded plastic shell for supporting a rider's foot and lower leg with minimal foot movement allowed by the boot. Hard boots are generally preferred by riders that engage in racing or alpine riding which requires fluid edge-to-edge movement for smooth carving in the snow at high speeds. Hard boots conventionally have been secured to the board using plate bindings that include front and rear bails or clips that engage the toe and heel portions of the boot. The bails in these bindings inherently allow the boot to roll side-to-side relative to the snowboard, which is desirable for the reasons stated above.

[0006] Soft boots, as the name suggests, typically are comprised of softer materials that are more flexible than the plastic shell of a hard boot. Soft boots are generally more comfortable and easier to walk in than hard boots, and are generally favored by riders that engage in recreational, “freestyle” or trick-oriented snowboarding. Soft boots are conventionally secured to the board using either a strap binding or a step-in binding.

[0007] A strap binding, which has been the traditional type of binding for a soft boot, includes several straps that are tightened across various portions of the boot. For example, an ankle strap may be provided to hold down a rider's heel and a toe strap may be provided to hold down the front portion of the rider's foot. The straps are typically formed of materials that inherently have some flexibility that allows the sole of the boot to roll side-to-side within the binding.

[0008] Step-in snowboard bindings employing a side-grip configuration have been developed for use with soft snowboard boots. Examples of such side-grip binding systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,823 (Glaser) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,406 (Anderson). These bindings generally employ rigid, metal engagement members that firmly grip opposite sides of a metal binding interface that is attached to the boot sole. The metal-to-metal contact between the binding and the interface results in the sole of the boot being more rigidly attached to the board than with a plate or strap binding. Additionally, because these types of bindings do not directly engage the toe or heel of the boot, the sole of the boot must generally be relatively stiff to prevent the rider's toe or heel from undesirably lifting away from the board when riding. This stiffness is typically provided by an internal stiffener that extends the length and width of the sole. The combination of a stiff boot sole and a binding that rigidly grips the sides thereof essentially eliminates any side-to-side flex or roll between the boot sole and the binding. Thus, when a snowboard boot is secured to the binding, there is little, if any, side-to-side roll or flexibility between the boot sole and the board.

[0009] It should be understood that when the sole of the boot is rigidly attached to the board, the boot itself, particularly if a hard shell boot, provides little, if any, side-to-side flexibility. The side-to-side flexibility afforded by snowboard boots is generally a function of the stiffness of the boot shell, which impacts the ability of the rider to roll the foot or flex the ankle within the boot. However, since the ankle joint itself has limited side-to-side flexibility, even soft shell boots may not provide the rider with as much side-to-side flexibility as a rider may desire when used in conjunction with side-grip bindings that rigidly engage the boot sole. Rather, the feel that most riders desire is achieved only by enabling the sole of the boot to roll side-to-side relative to the board.

[0010] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved snowboard boot having a binding interface for engaging with a snowboard binding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In one illustrative embodiment of the invention, a snowboard boot is provided that comprises a snowboard boot upper constructed and arranged to receive a user's foot therein and a strapless binding interface adapted to engage with a snowboard binding. The snowboard boot upper includes a lower portion with a toe portion, an in-step portion and a heel portion. The binding interface is coupled to the snowboard boot upper to allow a segment of the lower portion disposed rearward of the toe portion to flex relative to the binding interface to provide side-to-side flexibility when the binding interface is engaged by a snowboard binding. At least a segment of the toe portion of the snowboard boot upper is fixed against side-to-side flexibility relative to the binding interface.

[0012] In another illustrative embodiment, a snowboard boot is provided that comprises a snowboard boot upper constructed and arranged to receive a user's foot therein, and a strapless binding interface adapted to engage with a snowboard binding. The snowboard boot upper includes a lower portion with a toe portion, an in-step portion and a heel portion. A fabric couples the binding interface to the snowboard boot upper to allow at least a segment of the lower portion thereof to flex relative to the binding interface to provide side-to-side flexibility when the binding interface is engaged by a snowboard binding.

[0013] In a further illustrative embodiment of the invention, a snowboard boot is provided that comprises a snowboard boot upper constructed and arranged to receive a user's foot therein, and a strapless binding interface adapted to engage with a snowboard binding. The snowboard boot upper has medial and lateral sides and includes a lower portion with a toe portion, an in-step portion and a heel portion. A flexible connection couples the binding interface to the snowboard boot upper to allow a segment of the lower portion to flex relative to the binding interface to provide side-to-side flexibility when the binding interface is engaged by a snowboard binding. The flexible connection extends along a substantial length of at least one of the heel portion, the in-step portion and the toe portion.

[0014] In another illustrative embodiment of the invention, a snowboard boot is provided that comprises a snowboard boot upper constructed and arranged to receive a user's foot therein, and a strapless binding interface adapted to engage with a snowboard binding. The snowboard boot upper has medial and lateral sidewalls and includes a lower portion with a toe portion, an in-step portion and a heel portion. A flexible connection couples the binding interface to the snowboard boot upper to allow a segment of the lower portion to flex relative to the binding interface to provide side-to-side flexibility when the binding interface is engaged by a snowboard binding. The flexible connection is constructed within at least one of the lateral and medial sidewalls of the snowboard boot upper.

[0015] In a further illustrative embodiment of the invention, a snowboard boot is provided that comprises a snowboard boot upper constructed and arranged to receive a user's foot therein, and an outsole. The snowboard boot upper has medial and lateral sides and includes a lower portion with a toe portion, an in-step portion and a heel portion. The outsole is supported below the lower portion of the snowboard boot upper. A flexible panel is disposed between at least a portion of the snowboard boot upper and the outsole. A first portion of the flexible panel is connected to the snowboard boot upper and a second portion of the flexible panel is connected to the outsole to allow a segment of the lower portion of the snowboard boot upper to flex relative to the outsole to provide side-to-side flexibility therebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a step-in snowboard binding system incorporating a snowboard boot according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the snowboard boot of FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the snowboard boot of FIGS. 1-2;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

[0022]FIG. 5A is a schematic view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating the snowboard boot in a non-flexed position;

[0023]FIG. 5B is a schematic view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating the snowboard boot in a flexed position;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 2;

[0025]FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional detail illustrating one embodiment of the binding interface to boot construction; and

[0026]FIG. 8 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating one embodiment of a restraint for limiting side-to-side flexibility of the snowboard boot upper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present invention is directed to a snowboard boot that includes an upper and a binding interface that is adapted to engage with a snowboard binding. The interface is supported from the boot upper so that even when the interface is rigidly engaged by the binding, the boot upper can advantageously roll or flex side-to-side relative to the interface, and consequently the snowboard, to provide a rider with a desirable feel of foot roll. As discussed below, the binding interface can be movably supported on the boot upper so that at least a portion of the boot upper may roll or lift relative to the interface. The snowboard boot may be configured as any type of snowboard boot, including soft shell boots, hard shell boots and hybrid boots. In addition, the binding interface can be adapted to be compatible with any type of binding.

[0028] The boot may be configured so that one or more selected portions of the boot upper can flex relative to the binding interface to provide a particular feel while riding. As discussed below, the boot may be configured so that a segment of the boot upper rearward of its toe portion can flex in the side-to-side direction relative to the binding interface, while at least a segment of the forward toe portion of the boot upper remains fixed against side-to-side flexibility. For example, the boot may be configured to allow a segment of the heel portion and/or the in-step portion of the boot upper to flex relative to the binding interface, while the toe portion remains fixed against flex. A rider may find such a configuration desirable because it provides the rider with the feel of a strap binding while riding in a step-in binding system. In this regard, the ankle strap of a traditional strap binding allows side-to-side flexibility at the rear heel portion of the boot, while it is not uncommon for the toe strap to be tightened about the boot to reduce or inhibit flex at the forward toe portion of the boot. It is to be appreciated, however, that the boot may be configured in any manner to provide any desirable flex characteristics between the boot upper and the binding interface.

[0029] A flexible connection may be employed to couple the binding interface to the snowboard boot upper to allow a segment of the lower portion thereof to flex relative to the binding interface. The flexible connection may extend along a substantial length of at least one of the heel portion, the in-step portion and the toe portion of the upper. The flexible connection may be constructed within at least one of the lateral and medial sidewalls of the snowboard boot upper.

[0030] The flexible connection may be configured in a manner and/or formed from a material that allows the upper to flex relative to the interface. For example, the connection may include a flexible panel to mount the interface to the boot upper. The panel may include a fabric or other flexible material, including stretchable and non-stretchable materials. The panel may be configured with pleats or other features that provide flexibility.

[0031] In one illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-7, the snowboard boot 20 includes a snowboard boot upper 22 and a binding interface 24 that is supported on the boot upper in a manner that, even when the interface is rigidly engaged by a binding 26, advantageously allows a portion of the boot upper to roll or flex side-to-side relative to a snowboard 27. As discussed below, the binding interface 24 is movably supported on a lower portion of the boot upper and is adapted to engage the binding so that, when the interface is fixed to the binding, at least a segment of the lower portion of the upper may roll or lift relative to the interface.

[0032] The snowboard boot 20 shown in FIGS. 1-7 is a soft boot that includes a boot upper 22 adapted to receive a rider's foot therein, and an outsole 28. An inner liner or bladder 30 may be arranged in the boot upper 22 to provide the rider with comfort and support. A lacing system 32 may be provided so that the rider can tighten the boot about his foot. An adjustable ankle strap 34 may be employed to hold the rider's heel down within the boot during riding. As discussed above, the present invention is not limited to any particular boot configuration, and can be employed with boots of many other types.

[0033] As illustrated, a strapless binding interface 24 is supported below the in-step portion of the boot upper 22 between the forward toe portion 36 and the rear heel portion 38 thereof. The binding interface 24 provides an interface for releasably attaching the boot 20 to a side-grip binding 26. It is to be appreciated that the interface 24 may be located, as desired, anywhere on the boot, such as the forward toe portion and/or the rearward heel portion. The forward toe portion 36 includes portions of the boot forward of the in-step portion. Similarly, the rear heel portion 38 includes portions of the boot rearward of the in-step portion.

[0034] The binding interface 24 includes one or more interface features 42 that are configured to mate with corresponding engagement members of a binding. The interface 24 also includes a sidewall 44 that extends about the heel portion 38 of the boot upper from the lateral side 46 to the medial side 48 thereof for attaching the interface to the boot upper. A pair of mounting tabs 50 extend upwardly from lateral and medial portions of the interface sidewall 44 to provide mounting locations for mounting the ankle strap 34 using any suitable fastener 51.

[0035] It is to be understood that the interface 24 may be provided with any desired configuration. For example, the interface sidewall 44 may be configured so that it does not extend about the back of the heel portion 38 of the boot upper, but rather is comprised of a pair of sidewalls disposed on opposite sides of the upper. In addition, or alternatively, the mounting tabs 50 may be reduced in height to locate the strap mounting locations closer to the boot sole.

[0036] In one illustrative embodiment, the interface 24 includes a relatively rigid interface core 52 and a more pliable sidewall 44 that conforms to the boot upper. Although any suitable manufacturing process may be employed, the interface 24 may be formed by molding the interface sidewall 44 onto a preformed interface core 52. In one embodiment, the interface core and the interface sidewall are formed from thermoplastic polyurethane materials. It is to be appreciated, however, that the binding interface may be formed from any plastic, metal or any of a number of other suitable materials, or combinations thereof.

[0037] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the binding interface 24 is mounted to the boot upper 22 employing a flexible panel 54 that allows the boot upper to roll or flex in a side-to-side direction L (FIGS. 5A-5B). The flexible panel 54 lies adjacent to and extends about the heel portion 38 of the upper from its lateral side 46 to its medial side 48. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the flexible panel 54 terminates forward of the binding interface 24 in the in-step region of the boot.

[0038] The binding interface 24 is coupled to the boot upper 22 by attaching an upper portion 56 of the panel 54 to the boot upper and attaching a lower portion 58 of the panel to the interface. By indirectly mounting the interface to the boot upper in this manner, the boot upper 22 can roll or flex, particularly at its heel portion 38, in the side-to-side direction relative to the binding interface 24 when it is engaged by a binding. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the rider can exert a lateral force P₁ that is sufficient to cause a lower portion of the boot upper to lift as shown at 59. The opposite side of the upper may compress, collapse or otherwise flex. This allows a portion of the boot upper 22 to roll in a side direction L₁ relative to the binding interface 24. Since the interface 22 is rigidly clamped to the binding 26, a portion of the boot upper 22 effectively rolls in a side-to-side direction relative to the board 27.

[0039] The flexible panel 54 may be provided with any configuration apparent to one of skill. For example, the panel may be configured so that it does not extend about the back of the heel portion of the boot upper, but rather is comprised of a pair of flexible panels disposed on opposite sides of the upper. As discussed below, such a configuration may be particularly suited to varying the amount of flex to the medial and lateral sides of the boot.

[0040] The flexible panel 54 may be formed from any suitable material capable of allowing the boot upper 22 to move relative to the binding interface 24. In one embodiment, the panel 54 is formed from a stretchable material that allows a portion of the boot upper 22 to lift away from the interface 24 as it is subjected to a force by the rider. One example of a material particularly suited for this application is a stretchable fabric formed from a polyester mesh backed with a 0.8 mm thick sheet of polyvinylchloride (PVC). It is to be appreciated, however, that other stretchable and non-stretchable materials may be employed for the flexible panel.

[0041] In one illustrative embodiment, the upper portion 56 of the panel is attached directly to the sides of the boot upper with a series of stitches 60 while the lower portion 58 of the panel is indirectly attached to the binding interface with a panel coupling 62 that is configured to be easily attached to the interface. The panel coupling 62 extends about the heel portion 38 of the upper below the flexible panel 54. The lower portion 58 of the flexible panel 54 is joined to the upper portion 64 of the coupling using a series of stitches 66 while the coupling 62 is bonded to the binding interface 24 using any suitable adhesive 68.

[0042] The interface sidewall 44, with the exception of the mounting tabs 50, may be bonded to the coupling 62 and any portion of the flexible panel 54 located opposite the interface sidewall. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bond line 70 between the interface sidewall 44 and the flexible panel 54 generally follows the upper edge 72 of the interface sidewall, except in the region of the mounting tabs where the bond line 70 runs below the mounting tabs to enhance the side-to-side flexibility of the boot upper.

[0043] The panel coupling 62 may include a bottom wall 74 to increase the bonding surface area between the flexible panel 54 and the binding interface 24. As illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, the bottom wall 74 may be attached to the lower edges of the coupling sidewall 76 and the portion of the flexible panel disposed forward of the sidewall. In one embodiment, the bottom wall 74 is bonded to the coupling sidewall 76 and the flexible panel 54 using a suitable adhesive. However, any suitable attachment arrangement may be used for the bottom panel.

[0044] As illustrated, the bottom wall 74 is configured to extend the length of the boot upper 22. However, it is contemplated that other bottom wall configurations may be implemented. 5 For example, the bottom wall 74 may terminate proximate the forward edge of the flexible panel.

[0045] The panel coupling 62 may be formed from any suitable material that may be joined to other materials using various fastening techniques, such as bonding and stitching. In one embodiment, the coupling sidewall 76 and the bottom wall 74 may be formed from a non-woven material, such as a felt-like material, having a thickness of approximately 1.0 mm.

[0046] Although the use of a panel coupling for attaching the flexible panel to the binding interface has advantages, as described above, it is to be appreciated that is not necessary to employ the coupling to attach the panel to the interface. Rather, the flexible panel 54 may be attached to the binding interface 24 using any suitable technique, including directly attaching the panel to the interface using any suitable adhesive or mechanical fastener. In this regard, the flexible panel 54 may be configured in a manner similar to the panel coupling 62 to wrap below the boot upper.

[0047] To facilitate assembly of the boot, the flexible panel 54 and the coupling 62 may be separately formed as a skirt-type component 78 that is configured to surround selected portions of the boot upper. Once attached to the boot upper, the skirt 78 isolates the selected portions from the binding interface and/or outsole, and acts to flexibly couple those portions of the upper to the binding interface. The binding interface 24 and the outsole 28 may then be assembled to the skirt component 78 and non-isolated portions of the boot upper 22 using conventional manufacturing techniques, such as gluing.

[0048] As indicated above, it may be desirable to fix the toe portion 36 of the boot upper 22 against side-to-side flexibility relative to the binding interface 24 so that the boot allows the rider to experience the feel of a strap binding while engaged by a step-in binding. This may be accomplished by bonding a selected region of the boot upper to the bottom wall 74 of the skirt 78. Since the bottom wall 74 of the skirt is also bonded to the binding interface 24 30 and/or the outsole 28, the selected region becomes fixed to the interface and/or outsole.

[0049] In one illustrative embodiment, the forward portion of the boot upper 22, including the toe portion 36, is bonded to the bottom wall 74 of the skirt. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the portion of the boot upper 22 fixed to the bottom wall 74 terminates at a bond line 80 located in the in-step region of the boot. The bond line 80 extends diagonally across the width of the boot from its medial side 48 to its lateral side 46 in a forward direction. Consequently, a greater amount of the medial side of the boot upper 22 is fixed against movement, as compared to the lateral side, so that the boot upper 22 may flex a greater amount in the medial/inner direction. This configuration provides the rider with a feel similar to that of a boot secured by a strap binding, in which a boot can roll in the medial direction more than the lateral direction.

[0050] The amount and direction of side-to-side flexibility may be controlled by varying the location and orientation of the bond line 80 between the boot upper 22 and the skirt bottom wall 74 and/or the outsole 28 (should the bottom wall not extend the full length of the boot). For example, moving the bond line 80 forward increases flex, while moving the bond line rearward reduces flex. Consequently, as one of skill would readily appreciate, selected portions of the boot upper 22 may be fixed relative to the binding interface 24 to vary the feel of the boot when riding.

[0051] The amount and direction of side-to-side flexibility may also be controlled by selecting the size of the flexible panel 54 coupling the boot upper 22 and the binding interface 24. In this regard, as the size of the flexible panel increases, the side-to-side flexibility increases between the boot upper 22 and the interface 24. Conversely, as the size of the flexible panel decreases, the side-to-side flexibility decreases between the boot upper and the interface.

[0052] In one illustrative embodiment, the distance between the attachment points of the flexible panel 54 to the boot upper 22 and the binding interface 24 may be varied to affect the flexibility of the boot. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the distance G₁, G₂ between the upper edge 72 of the interface sidewall and the attachment point (e.g., stitches 60) for the flexible panel to the boot upper can be varied to change the flex characteristics along the lateral and/or medial sides of the boot. The distance G₁, G₂ may either be the same or different along the lateral and medial sides of the boot. In one embodiment, the distance G₁, G₂ is maintained approximately 8 mm to 11 mm (based on a gap width between the binding interface and the boot upper of approximately 5 mm to 8 mm) along both the lateral and medial sides of the boot and also about the rear heel portion of the boot.

[0053] In another illustrative embodiment, the flexible panel 54 may be formed from materials having different flex characteristics to vary the boot flexibility. For example, the flexible panel 54 may be comprised of several different panels coupling various portions of the boot upper 22 and the binding interface 24. In one embodiment, separate lateral and medial panels may be employed to couple the lateral and medial sides, respectively, of the boot upper to the interface. To increase flex to the medial/inner side of the boot, the lateral panel may be formed from a material having greater flex characteristics than the medial panel. Conversely, to increase flex to the lateral/outer side of the boot, the medial panel may be formed from a material having greater flex characteristics than the lateral panel. In another illustrative embodiment, the flexible panel 54 may be provided along only one of the lateral and medial sides of the boot.

[0054] While several illustrative examples have been described above, it is to be understood that any suitable arrangement may be employed for varying the flex characteristics of the boot. Additionally, any combination of the illustrative examples may be implemented to adjust and control the side-to-side flexibility of the boot.

[0055] Since heel lift may adversely affect the ride characteristics of the boot, it may be desirable to limit, if not prevent, heel lift between the boot upper 22 and the binding interface 24. Consequently, the boot may include a restraint 90 configured to substantially eliminate heel lift between the boot upper 22 and the binding interface 24, while also allowing side-to-side flexibility.

[0056] In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-4, the restraint 90 includes a strap having its upper end 92 attached to the boot upper 22 and its lower end 94 attached to the binding interface 24. The strap 90 is located at the rear of the boot upper and the binding interface along the longitudinal axis of the boot to allow side-to-side flexibility while preventing heel lift. The upper end 92 of the strap is joined to the boot upper and the flexible panel with a series of stitches 96 (which may be the same as stitches 60), while the lower end 94 is bonded with an adhesive to the binding interface. As illustrated, the lower end 94 of the strap may extend across the top of the binding interface 24 below the heel portion of the boot upper 22 to enhance its attachment to the interface. While a strap provides an effective restraint, it is to be understood that other configurations may be employed to prevent heel lift between the boot upper and the interface.

[0057] To ensure adequate restraint against heel lift, the strap 90 may be configured to have minimal, if any, slack when it is attached to the boot. The strap may also be formed from a material that stretches minimally, if at all, when subjected to anticipated load conditions during riding. In one embodiment, the strap is formed of a woven nylon material having a width of approximately 1.0 inch. Of course, any suitable material and strap configuration may be employed to provide a heel lift restraint.

[0058] A flex adjustment feature may be provided to limit or set the side-to-side flexibility of the boot upper relative to the binding interface. In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the adjustment feature includes a restraint 98 disposed on one or both sides of the binding interface 24 that is configured to receive a portion of the boot laces 32. Thus, when it is desirable to limit or set the side-to-side flexibility of the boot upper 22, the rider may wrap the boot laces 32 about the restraint 98 on one or both sides of the interface so as to hold the boot upper down relative to the interface when the laces are tightened on the boot.

[0059] In one embodiment, the restraint 98 may be configured as a lacing hook as is known in the art. The hook may be integrally formed with the interface, or alternatively may be a separate component that is mounted to the interface using any suitable fastener.

[0060] The boot upper 22 may be constructed in a conventional manner from any of various materials suitable for snowboard boot construction. In one illustrative embodiment, the boot upper includes an outer shell 100 of a durable, relatively soft, flexible material that readily conforms to the rider's foot, and an inner lining 102 of material, such as a layer of PVC, that extends upward from the bottom of the upper to at least above the ankle region of the boot. A heel stiffener 104 may be provided along the heel portion of the upper, and a moldable plastic layer 106, such as SURLYN, may be added to the heel portion 38 of the upper to provide heel definition. In the present boot construction, the plastic layer 106 is also configured to provide additional strength in the region of the flexible panel. A strobel board 108 may be joined in a conventional manner with stitches 110 to form the bottom layer of the boot upper. An adjustable inner cuff 112 may be provided to hold the rider's heel down in the boot when the cuff is tightened about the inner liner 30.

[0061] As illustrated, the lower portion of the outer shell 100 is configured to conform to the contour of the binding interface sidewall 44 so that the interface 24 may nest within the boot upper to maintain a relatively low boot profile. In one embodiment, the outer shell 100 is formed from an EVA backed mesh material suitable for soft boot construction. It is to be understood, however, that the outer shell may be constructed of any one or combination of suitable materials. Examples of materials suitable for the outer shell include, but are not limited to, leather, suede, nubuck and CORDURA fabric.

[0062] The boot 20 may also include one or more layers of shock attenuating material to cushion the rider's foot from impacts encountered while riding. In one illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7, a gel pad 114 is provided in the heel region of the boot and a foam pad 116 is provided in the toe and in-step regions of the boot forward of the gel pad. The pads 114, 116 are disposed between the boot upper 22 and the binding interface 24 to attenuate shock to the rider's foot. Of course, any suitable materials and arrangement may be employed to cushion the rider's foot from shock inducing impacts.

[0063] As mentioned above, many different arrangements are possible for interfacing a snowboard boot to a binding, and the present invention is not limited to any particular arrangement. In the illustrative embodiment discussed below, the binding 26 is a step-in binding having side-grip engagement members that rotate along longitudinal axes to engage the binding interface 24, and the binding interface has one or more recesses 42 adapted to engage the binding engagement members. It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to a side-grip binding system, or to one wherein the interface has recesses for engaging the binding engagement members, as numerous alternate arrangements are possible that include different features for engaging the binding interface to the binding.

[0064] One illustrative example of a side-grip binding 26 is illustrated in FIG. 1 mounted to a snowboard. The binding includes a base plate 120, and one or more engagement members 122 disposed on opposite sides of the base plate. The sides of the binding interface 24 include corresponding interface features 42 that are adapted to engage with the engagement members 122. The base plate 120 may be mounted to a snowboard 27 in a conventional manner. One or more of the engagement members 122 may be coupled to an actuation member 124 so that the user may operate the binding to selectively lock and release the boot. The actuation member 124 may, for example, be a handle that is pivotally mounted to the base plate adjacent the engagement members. The engagement members 122 may be elevated above the base plate and extend inwardly to engage their corresponding interface features 42 (recesses in the embodiment shown) provided in both the inner/medial side and the outer/lateral side of the binding interface. At least a portion of one of the interface features 42 is disposed above the bottom surface of the boot. One or more recesses may be provided on each side of the binding interface.

[0065] An example of a binding interface for use with side-grip bindings is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,179, which is assigned to The Burton Corporation and is incorporated herein by reference. In one illustrative embodiment, the recesses 42 are formed of a nonmetallic material, such as an elastomeric material, to form a shock absorbing engagement between the boot and the binding. Non-metallic material also reduces the likelihood of snow being attracted to and clogging the recesses.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the binding interface 22 may include multiple recesses 42 on each side with a non-recessed portion disposed therebetween. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a pair of recesses 42 is provided along at least one side of the binding interface. As discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,179 referenced above, the use of multiple recesses provides a stronger engagement between the binding interface and the binding than a single recess. A pair of recesses doubles the number of recess mouth comers that resist forces tending to pry the recesses open. Additionally, a pair of recesses provides a greater bearing surface preventing front to back movement between the binding interface and the binding. When multiple recesses are provided along one or both sides of the binding interface, they can be distributed about the center of the length of the boot (i.e., in the in-step area) in a manner that maximizes the stability of the engagement between the snowboard boot and the binding.

[0067] In the illustrative embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5, the mouth of each recess 42 is wider than its corresponding engagement member and the upper and lower walls 126, 128 are tapered inwardly toward each other to facilitate the engagement between the binding interface and the binding. In particular, this recess configuration allows for easier alignment between the binding interface and the engagement members, even when snow or ice has accumulated between the boot and the base plate. Additionally, when the engagement members are moved into engagement with the recesses, the tapered walls direct accumulated snow and ice out of the recesses to securely lock the snowboard boot system to the binding. The walls are angled a sufficient amount to facilitate alignment with the engagement members without reducing the effectiveness of the recesses to retain the engagement members therein. In one embodiment, the walls are angled within a range of approximately 95-135 degrees from a horizontal plane, with an angle of approximately 105 degrees having been found to work effectively.

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the bottom surface 130 of the binding interface 24 may be approximately coplanar with or disposed above a plane Z-Z defined by the bottom surfaces of the toe and heel portions 36, 38 of the outsole, so that it does not interfere with the rider's ability to walk in the boot.

[0069] Examples of snowboard side-grip bindings that are compatible with the illustrative binding interface shown in the figures are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,722,680; 5,941,555; and 6,123,354, each of which is assigned to The Burton Corporation and is incorporated herein by reference. The side-grip binding and the recesses for engagement therewith have several advantages as described in the related patents. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited in this respect, and that the binding interface can alternatively include other interface feature configurations (e.g., plates, rods or the like that extend toe-to-heel or side-to-side, and that extend either within the profile of the boot, underneath the boot or outwardly beyond the boot profile) that are adapted to engage with compatible engagement members on other types of bindings to secure the boot thereto.

[0070] It should be understood that the binding interface of the present invention may be configured to interface with various step-in or side-grip binding arrangements, and is not limited to the particular binding arrangement discussed above. For example, the binding interface 24 may include outwardly extending bail or plate members, longitudinal rods, or other interface features capable of securing a boot to a binding. The snowboard boot system can be provided with a set of interchangeable binding interfaces that include various interface features to allow the suspension system of the present invention to be used with different snowboard binding arrangements.

[0071] Having described several embodiments of the invention in detail, various modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention is limited only as defined by the following claims and the equivalents thereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A snowboard boot comprising: a snowboard boot upper constructed and arranged to receive a user's foot therein, the snowboard boot upper including a lower portion with a toe portion, an in-step portion and a heel portion; and a strapless binding interface adapted to engage with a snowboard binding, the binding interface being coupled to the snowboard boot upper to allow a segment of the lower portion disposed rearward of the toe portion to flex relative to the binding interface to provide side-to-side flexibility when the binding interface is engaged by a snowboard binding, at least a segment of the toe portion of the snowboard boot upper being fixed against side-to-side flexibility relative to the binding interface.
 2. The snowboard boot recited in claim 1, wherein the segment of the lower portion includes the heel portion.
 3. The snowboard boot recited in claim 2, wherein the segment of the lower portion further includes the in-step portion.
 4. The snowboard boot recited in claim 1, further comprising a flexible connection coupling the binding interface to the snowboard boot upper.
 5. The snowboard boot recited in claim 4, wherein the snowboard boot upper includes a lateral side and a medial side, the flexible connection being disposed adjacent at least one of the lateral and medial sides.
 6. The snowboard boot recited in claim 5, wherein the flexible connection includes a flexible panel connecting the binding interface to the snowboard boot upper.
 7. The snowboard boot recited in claim 6, wherein the flexible panel includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion of the panel being attached to the snowboard boot upper and the lower portion of the panel being attached to the binding interface.
 8. The snowboard boot recited in claim 6, wherein the flexible panel couples the binding interface to the lateral and medial sides of the snowboard boot upper.
 9. The snowboard boot recited in claim 8, wherein the flexible panel extends about the heel portion of the snowboard boot upper.
 10. The snowboard boot recited in claim 9, wherein the flexible panel extends from the heel portion to a region of the snowboard boot upper forward of the in-step portion.
 11. The snowboard boot recited in claim 10, wherein the flexible panel includes a fabric material.
 12. The snowboard boot recited in claim 11, wherein the fabric material is stretchable.
 13. The snowboard boot recited in claim 1, wherein the binding interface is supported at the in-step portion of the snowboard boot upper.
 14. The snowboard boot recited in claim 1, further comprising a restraint to limit movement between the snowboard upper and the binding interface.
 15. The snowboard boot recited in claim 14, wherein the restraint is constructed and arranged to limit heel lift between the snowboard boot upper and the binding interface.
 16. The snowboard boot recited in claim 15, wherein the restraint is disposed at a rear section of the heel portion.
 17. The snowboard boot recited in claim 16, wherein the restraint includes a strap connected between the snowboard boot upper and the binding interface.
 18. The snowboard boot recited in claim 14, wherein the restraint is constructed and arranged to limit the side-to-side flexibility.
 19. The snowboard boot recited in claim 18, wherein the restraint is disposed along at least one of a lateral and medial side of the snowboard boot upper.
 20. The snowboard boot recited in claim 1, wherein the binding interface includes at least one interface feature constructed and arranged to engage with the snowboard binding.
 21. The snowboard boot recited in claim 20, wherein the at least one interface feature includes a first interface feature disposed adjacent a lateral side of the boot and a second interface feature disposed adjacent a medial side of the boot.
 22. The snowboard boot recited in claim 21, wherein at least one of the first and second interface features has at least one recess that is adapted to receive a portion of the snowboard binding therein.
 23. The snowboard boot recited in claim 1, further comprising an outsole supported by the lower portion of the snowboard boot upper, the outsole being coupled to the snowboard boot upper to allow the segment of the lower portion to flex relative to the outsole to provide the side-to-side flexibility.
 24. The snowboard boot recited in claim 23, wherein the toe portion of the snowboard boot upper is fixed against side-to-side flexibility relative to the outsole.
 25. A snowboard boot comprising: a snowboard boot upper constructed and arranged to receive a user's foot therein, the snowboard boot upper including a lower portion with a toe portion, an in-step portion and a heel portion; a strapless binding interface adapted to engage with a snowboard binding; and a fabric coupling the binding interface to the snowboard boot upper to allow at least a segment of the lower portion thereof to flex relative to the binding interface to provide side-to-side flexibility when the binding interface is engaged by a snowboard binding.
 26. The snowboard boot recited in claim 25, wherein the segment of the lower portion includes the heel portion.
 27. The snowboard boot recited in claim 26, wherein the segment of the lower portion further includes the in-step portion.
 28. The snowboard boot recited in claim 25, wherein the snowboard boot upper includes a lateral side and a medial side, the fabric being disposed adjacent at least one of the lateral and medial sides.
 29. The snowboard boot recited in claim 28, wherein the fabric includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion of the fabric being attached to the snowboard boot upper and the lower portion of the fabric being attached to the binding interface.
 30. The snowboard boot recited in claim 28, wherein the fabric couples the binding interface to the lateral and medial sides of the snowboard boot upper.
 31. The snowboard boot recited in claim 30, wherein the fabric extends about the heel portion of the snowboard boot upper.
 32. The snowboard boot recited in claim 31, wherein the fabric extends from the heel portion to a region of the snowboard boot upper forward of the in-step portion.
 33. The snowboard boot recited in claim 32, wherein the fabric includes a stretchable material.
 34. The snowboard boot recited in claim 25, wherein the binding interface is supported at the in-step portion of the snowboard boot upper.
 35. The snowboard boot recited in claim 25, further comprising a restraint to limit movement between the snowboard upper and the binding interface.
 36. The snowboard boot recited in claim 35, wherein the restraint is constructed and arranged to limit heel lift between the snowboard boot upper and the binding interface.
 37. The snowboard boot recited in claim 36, wherein the restraint is disposed at a rear section of the heel portion.
 38. The snowboard boot recited in claim 37, wherein the restraint includes a strap connected between the snowboard boot upper and the binding interface.
 39. The snowboard boot recited in claim 35, wherein the restraint is constructed and arranged to limit the side-to-side flexibility.
 40. The snowboard boot recited in claim 39, wherein the restraint is disposed along at least one of a lateral and medial side of the snowboard boot upper.
 41. The snowboard boot recited in claim 25, wherein the binding interface includes at least one interface feature constructed and arranged to engage with the snowboard binding.
 42. The snowboard boot recited in claim 41, wherein the at least one interface feature includes a first interface feature disposed adjacent a lateral side of the boot and a second interface feature disposed adjacent a medial side of the boot.
 43. The snowboard boot recited in claim 42, wherein at least one of the first and second interface features has at least one recess that is adapted to receive a portion of the snowboard binding therein.
 44. The snowboard boot recited in claim 25, further comprising an outsole supported by the lower portion of the snowboard boot upper, the outsole being coupled to the snowboard boot upper to allow the segment of the lower portion to flex relative to the outsole to provide the side-to-side flexibility.
 45. The snowboard boot recited in claim 44, wherein the toe portion of the snowboard boot upper is fixed against side-to-side flexibility relative to the outsole.
 46. A snowboard boot comprising: a snowboard boot upper constructed and arranged to receive a user's foot therein, the snowboard boot upper having medial and lateral sides and including a lower portion with a toe portion, an in-step portion and a heel portion; a strapless binding interface adapted to engage with a snowboard binding; and a flexible connection coupling the binding interface to the snowboard boot upper to allow a segment of the lower portion to flex relative to the binding interface to provide side-to-side flexibility when the binding interface is engaged by a snowboard binding, the flexible connection extending along a substantial length of at least one of the heel portion, the in-step portion and the toe portion.
 47. The snowboard boot recited in claim 46, wherein the segment of the lower portion includes the heel portion.
 48. The snowboard boot recited in claim 47, wherein the segment of the lower portion further includes the in-step portion.
 49. The snowboard boot recited in claim 46, wherein flexible connection is disposed adjacent at least one of the lateral and medial sides.
 50. The snowboard boot recited in claim 49, wherein the flexible connection includes a flexible panel connecting the binding interface to the snowboard boot upper.
 51. The snowboard boot recited in claim 50, wherein the flexible panel includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion of the panel being attached to the snowboard boot upper and the lower portion of the panel being attached to the binding interface.
 52. The snowboard boot recited in claim 50, wherein the flexible panel couples the binding interface to the lateral and medial sides of the snowboard boot upper.
 53. The snowboard boot recited in claim 52, wherein the flexible panel extends about the heel portion of the snowboard boot upper.
 54. The snowboard boot recited in claim 53, wherein the flexible panel extends from the heel portion to a region of the snowboard boot upper forward of the in-step portion.
 55. The snowboard boot recited in claim 54, wherein the flexible panel includes a fabric material.
 56. The snowboard boot recited in claim 55, wherein the fabric material is stretchable.
 57. The snowboard boot recited in claim 46, wherein the binding interface is supported at the in-step portion of the snowboard boot upper.
 58. The snowboard boot recited in claim 46, further comprising a restraint to limit movement between the snowboard upper and the binding interface.
 59. The snowboard boot recited in claim 58, wherein the restraint is constructed and arranged to limit heel lift between the snowboard boot upper and the binding interface.
 60. The snowboard boot recited in claim 59, wherein the restraint is disposed at a rear section of the heel portion.
 61. The snowboard boot recited in claim 60, wherein the restraint includes a strap connected between the snowboard boot upper and the binding interface.
 62. The snowboard boot recited in claim 58, wherein the restraint is constructed and arranged to limit the side-to-side flexibility.
 63. The snowboard boot recited in claim 62, wherein the restraint is disposed along at least one of the lateral and medial sides of the snowboard boot upper.
 64. The snowboard boot recited in claim 46, wherein the binding interface includes at least one interface feature constructed and arranged to engage with the snowboard binding.
 65. The snowboard boot recited in claim 64, wherein the at least one interface feature includes a first interface feature disposed adjacent the lateral side of the boot and a second interface feature disposed adjacent the medial side of the boot.
 66. The snowboard boot recited in claim 65, wherein at least one of the first and second interface features has at least one recess that is adapted to receive a portion of the snowboard binding therein.
 67. The snowboard boot recited in claim 46, further comprising an outsole supported by the lower portion of the snowboard boot upper, the outsole being coupled to the snowboard boot upper to allow the segment of the lower portion to flex relative to the outsole to provide the side-to-side flexibility.
 68. The snowboard boot recited in claim 67, wherein the toe portion of the snowboard boot upper is fixed against side-to-side flexibility relative to the outsole.
 69. A snowboard boot comprising: a snowboard boot upper constructed and arranged to receive a user's foot therein, the snowboard boot upper having medial and lateral sidewalls and including a lower portion with a toe portion, an in-step portion and a heel portion; a strapless binding interface adapted to engage with a snowboard binding; and a flexible connection coupling the binding interface to the snowboard boot upper to allow a segment of the lower portion to flex relative to the binding interface to provide side-to-side flexibility when the binding interface is engaged by a snowboard binding, the flexible connection being constructed within at least one of the lateral and medial sidewalls of the snowboard boot upper.
 70. The snowboard boot recited in claim 69, wherein the segment of the lower portion includes the heel portion.
 71. The snowboard boot recited in claim 70, wherein the segment of the lower portion further includes the in-step portion.
 72. The snowboard boot recited in claim 69, wherein the flexible connection includes a flexible panel connecting the binding interface to the snowboard boot upper.
 73. The snowboard boot recited in claim 72, wherein the flexible panel is constructed within the lateral and medial sidewalls of the snowboard boot upper.
 74. The snowboard boot recited in claim 73, wherein the flexible panel extends about the heel portion of the snowboard boot upper.
 75. The snowboard boot recited in claim 74, wherein the flexible panel extends from the heel portion to a region of the snowboard boot upper forward of the in-step portion.
 76. The snowboard boot recited in claim 75, wherein the flexible panel includes a fabric material.
 77. The snowboard boot recited in claim 76, wherein the fabric material is stretchable.
 78. The snowboard boot recited in claim 69, wherein the binding interface is supported at the in-step portion of the snowboard boot upper.
 79. The snowboard boot recited in claim 69, further comprising a restraint to limit movement between the snowboard upper and the binding interface.
 80. The snowboard boot recited in claim 79, wherein the restraint is constructed and arranged to limit heel lift between the snowboard boot upper and the binding interface.
 81. The snowboard boot recited in claim 80, wherein the restraint is disposed at a rear section of the heel portion.
 82. The snowboard boot recited in claim 81, wherein the restraint includes a strap connected between the snowboard boot upper and the binding interface.
 83. The snowboard boot recited in claim 79, wherein the restraint is constructed and arranged to limit the side-to-side flexibility.
 84. The snowboard boot recited in claim 83, wherein the restraint is disposed along at least one of the lateral and medial sides of the snowboard boot upper.
 85. The snowboard boot recited in claim 69, wherein the binding interface includes at least one interface feature constructed and arranged to engage with the snowboard binding.
 86. The snowboard boot recited in claim 85, wherein the at least one interface feature includes a first interface feature disposed adjacent the lateral side of the boot and a second interface feature disposed adjacent the medial side of the boot.
 87. The snowboard boot recited in claim 86, wherein at least one of the first and second interface features has at least one recess that is adapted to receive a portion of the snowboard binding therein.
 88. The snowboard boot recited in claim 69, further comprising an outsole supported by the lower portion of the snowboard boot upper, the outsole being coupled to the snowboard boot upper to allow the segment of the lower portion to flex relative to the outsole to provide the side-to-side flexibility.
 89. The snowboard boot recited in claim 88, wherein the toe portion of the snowboard boot upper is fixed against side-to-side flexibility relative to the outsole.
 90. A snowboard boot comprising: a snowboard boot upper constructed and arranged to receive a user's foot therein, the snowboard boot upper having medial and lateral sides and including a lower portion with a toe portion, an in-step portion and a heel portion; an outsole supported below the lower portion of the snowboard boot upper; and a flexible panel disposed between at least a portion of the snowboard boot upper and the outsole, a first portion of the flexible panel being connected to the snowboard boot upper and a second portion of the flexible panel being connected to the outsole to allow a segment of the lower portion of the snowboard boot upper to flex relative to the outsole to provide side-to-side flexibility therebetween.
 91. The snowboard boot recited in claim 90, wherein the segment of the lower portion includes the heel portion.
 92. The snowboard boot recited in claim 91, wherein the segment of the lower portion further includes the in-step portion.
 93. The snowboard boot recited in claim 90, wherein the flexible panel extends about the heel portion of the snowboard boot upper.
 94. The snowboard boot recited in claim 93, wherein the flexible panel extends from the heel portion to a region of the snowboard boot upper forward of the in-step portion.
 95. The snowboard boot recited in claim 90, wherein the flexible panel includes a fabric material.
 96. The snowboard boot recited in claim 95, wherein the fabric material is stretchable.
 97. The snowboard boot recited in claim 90, further comprising a restraint to limit movement between the snowboard upper and the outsole.
 98. The snowboard boot recited in claim 97, wherein the restraint is constructed and arranged to limit heel lift between the snowboard boot upper and the outsole.
 99. The snowboard boot recited in claim 98, wherein the restraint is disposed at a rear section of the heel portion.
 100. The snowboard boot recited in claim 99, wherein the restraint includes a strap connected between the snowboard boot upper and the outsole.
 101. The snowboard boot recited in claim 97, wherein the restraint is constructed and arranged to limit the side-to-side flexibility.
 102. The snowboard boot recited in claim 101, wherein the restraint is disposed along at least one of the lateral and medial sides of the snowboard boot upper.
 103. The snowboard boot recited in claim 90, further comprising a strapless binding interface adapted to engage with a snowboard binding, the binding interface being supported on the snowboard boot upper.
 104. The snowboard boot recited in claim 103, wherein the binding interface is supported at the in-step portion of the snowboard boot upper.
 105. The snowboard boot recited in claim 103, wherein the binding interface includes at least one interface feature constructed and arranged to engage with the snowboard binding.
 106. The snowboard boot recited in claim 105, wherein the at least one interface feature includes a first interface feature disposed adjacent the lateral side of the boot and a second interface feature disposed adjacent the medial side of the boot.
 107. The snowboard boot recited in claim 106, wherein at least one of the first and second interface features has at least one recess that is adapted to receive a portion of the snowboard binding therein.
 108. The snowboard boot recited in claim 90, wherein the toe portion of the snowboard boot upper is fixed against side-to-side flexibility relative to the outsole. 